'Bodies come in all shapes and sizes', says Gok. Here's his guide to improving your life by learning to love the way you are, not the way you want to be...

Nine out of 10 British women say they hate everything about their bodies and many of you would rather be invisible, hiding behind baggy clothes that don't fit. This has made you lose certain parts of your life, like relationships with your partner and children, going on holiday (because you are scared to strip off on the beach) and shopping (to avoid those communal changing rooms). You're not the only one who feels like this, but you can change the way you feel about yourself.

1. Stop comparing
   We're exposed to thousands of images of models and celebrities looking skinny, preened and perfect, but a lot of hard work goes into making each beautiful image, from hours of hair and make-up, to fabulously flattering lighting, expert photography and creative computer-editing afterwards. There
   is a reason why it takes a whole day, and a team of twelve, to shoot five or six images for a fashion magazine. Why compare ourselves when what we see isn't real?
2. All shapes and sizes
   You're a real woman, so you do have curves and lumps and bumps, asymmetrical breasts and stretch marks. And you know what? That's okay - it's normal and it's fine. Your body is naturally beautiful and you should be celebrating that.
3. Close to home
   Ask for positive feedback - and where better to start than with your nearest and dearest. Ask three people - maybe a friend, a sister, a partner - what your best bits are. It's always a fun conversation and, of course, a total ego trip and you can do the same for them in return. Some of the answers might be really obvious (if you've got, say, a great rack, or amazing eyes). But you will probably be surprised by some of the other parts they mention, because we don't always know our best assets. Find out what they are.
4. Suits you
   On How to Look Good Naked, I wanted to teach people the secrets of how to feel good about themselves. Learn the rules of what clothes suit you and your body shape and stick to them. It's simple, it works and you can't go far wrong.
5. What lies beneath
   Whatever your shape, make sure you have the right lingerie. It can make or break an outfit and you ain't gonna look half as hot with the wrong underwear.
6. Use what you've got
   Learn to love it, work it, flaunt it. Even if you'd like to lose a bit of weight work with what you've got right now. Don't think you have to lose weight before improving how you look and feel. Think positively about yourself right now.
7. Say no to the knife
   I really believe that a woman should not be forced to think that surgery is the only option for improving her looks. The right clothes can radically change the way a person look without having to nip, tuck, crunch or starve.
8. Ease up on yourself
   Everybody hates certain parts of their body, but the fact is, other people rarely view your body the way you do. Maybe it's your 'love handles', 'saddle bags' or 'bingo wings', that you can't stand but when we polled the general public on How to Look Good Naked showing in-the-buff photos of all my Gokettes, the feedback from everyone was always so positive.
9. Sort out your posture
   Stand up straight! (Do I sound like your mother?) A good posture will knock pounds off your weight, add inches to your height and make you walk tall. This can only be a good thing.
10. Appreciation society
    Begin appreciating your body and start saying thank you to yourself for being you. Take a long, hard look at yourself and at what you've been trying to cover up - a beautiful body you should be proud to live in!

Pics: iStock, PA Photos
Taken from How to Look Good Naked, Gok Wan (published by Harper Collins)
First Published in At Home with Gok Wan, October 2008